Dadooda.com to save the Christmas round-robin

A family-friendly social networking site is calling for people to save the round-robin tradition.

People are often too busy to send an update of more than 140 characters but Dadooda.com is keen to give the festive letter a digital revamp.

Families are invited to set up a free Christmas personal access library – also known as a PAL – and share precious multimedia memories with relatives all over the world.

“It’s sad that heart-warming traditions such as the round-robin are dying out,” says Neil Stapley, founder of Dadooda.com. “Websites and technology can give dwindling festive rituals a total revamp. Just as e-cards revitalised the sending of Christmas cards, Dadooda PALs can save the round-robin.”

Families can upload letters, videos, songs and pictures to their Christmas PAL, safe in the knowledge that only members of that PAL can view the content and comment on the message board.

“Pictures of a new house, videos of a newborn and thank-you letters from children are just some of the valuable memories that can be added,” says Stapley. “Grandparents in the UK can watch videos of their grandchildren in Australia opening presents on Christmas morning.”

Despite claims that technology only serves to isolate people socially, recent research has proven that sites like Dadooda.com are helping people communicate more than ever.

A study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that people who embrace new technology as a method of communication often have the largest and most diverse social network.

“A Christmas PAL can help families not only stay in touch with relatives around the world, but through pictures and videos show them what the festive season is like in different households,” says Stapley.

“There is no excuse for the so-called faceless family members when sites such as Dadooda.com exist.”